Personnel demonstration projects in the federal government were first authorized by the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978. Several projects have been conducted in the past 15 years. The author draws a number of lessons from this experience, including how to select ideas to test, factors to consider in developing a project plan and an appropriate evaluation strategy, and how to conclude projects successfully. He also uses that experience to identify qualities in individuals and organizations that support successful innovations, and concludes that demonstration projects have the potential to play an even more significant role in federal personnel management in the future.
